Indicator 1.04: Number of native forest-associated species

Abstract

This indicator provides information on the health of forest ecosystems through the number of native forest-associated species. Because one of the more general signs of ecosystem stress is a reduction in the variety of organisms inhabiting a given locale, species counts are often used in assessing ecosystem well-being. The count of forest-associated species in a region will change when species become extinct, species colonize, or our knowledge base is improved. Although change in species counts because of improved knowledge of distribution or taxonomy is unrelated to biodiversity conservation, extinction, and colonization - it can alter ecological processes in ways that affect the kinds and quality of ecosystem services that humans derive from forest ecosystems. Therefore, the loss or addition of species in an ecosystem can provide valuable insights into the overall health and productivity of that system.

Citation

Flather, C. H.; Knowles, M. S; Sieg, C. H. 2011. Indicator 1.04: Number of native forest-associated species. In: National report on sustainable forests - 2010. FS-979. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: II-22-II-23.